REAL ESTATE

Myrtle Beach's Woodland Valley development going strong in a slow market

By Brandon Tucker,
Senior Writer

LORIS, S.C. - One of the newest Myrtle Beach golf course real estate developments is well off the coastline and resulting madness of its main roads - one big attribute developers are hoping brings in buyers.

The new Woodland Valley real estate development, offered by Carolina Investment Company L.L.C., is located in Loris, about 30 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach just off Highway 9. It's a more peaceful section of the Grand Strand that isn't nearly as clogged as the oceanfront about 15 minutes east, though there has been a steady stream of development in the area.

Empty lots are being sold throughout the back nine of Woodland Valley Golf Club, which opened in 1999. Lots will be set 25-feet back from the course and will be shielded by trees so as not to encroach on the fairways. Much of the unique land that surrounds the golf club will remain intact.

"We didn't clear cut the property," said Andy Freeman of Carolina Investment Co. "We wanted to leave as many trees as possible, only clear the footprint of where the house will be. There's a good diversity of the plant material hardwoods and quite a bit of topography. We wanted to keep the integrity of that."

Empty lots range from the low $70,000s to upwards of $150,000. Home values start from about $400,000. Homebuilders at Woodland Valley will not be allowed to build with vinyl siding; they'll have to use solid, thicker brick or stone. So far, buyers comprise a mix of families, retirees and seasonal residents.

Loris is a small community but does have grocery shopping, a pharmacy and other local services just minutes from Woodland Valley. From here, it's about a 15-minute drive to North Myrtle Beach and 30-35 minutes to Myrtle Beach Airport.

Aside from the existing golf club, a brand new amenity center is also in the works, which will include a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, spa, kiddy pool and two tennis courts.

After debuting on the market in April 2006, 100 of the 177 total lots have been sold to date. Despite a slowed real estate market nationwide that has even seen some other Grand Strand developments either lessened or scrapped entirely, Freeman expects Woodland Valley to sell its remaining lots on schedule.

"We think the value is tremendous," said Freeman. "We're not lowering prices, we don't think we need to. We truthfully believe the value is the best on the Grand Strand."

Woodland Valley Golf Club

Originally Diamondback Golf Club when it opened in 1999, the re-named Woodland Valley Golf Club is the centerpiece of the new community. The course is managed by Signature Golf Group, operators of eight courses in the area, including Wicked Stick and Indigo Creek. They have marketing partnerships with many more area courses, as well.

The course, designed by Russell Breeden, has some unique topography, is gently undulating and accented with some artificial contours. There is a collection of wetlands that come into play on most holes, and the back nine in particular is a very natural setting. The par-5 15th doglegs left with a second shot that plays over a pond to an elevated green. The beautiful but penal 17th is framed almost entirely by wetlands and also requires an approach over a pond. The collection of par 3s is exceptional, varying in length from 144 to 209 yards, with all offering distinct shot options.

The course features four sets of tees with a championship yardage of 6,926 yards and a forward yardage of 4,945. It's also the only course in the Grand Strand that currently uses Jensen Ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens. Peak season green fees top out at $91. A current summer incentive being offered for a limited time by Carolina Investment Co. is a one-year golf membership included with the purchase of a property.

Woodland Valley Real Estate

(866) 304-8900 or info@woodlandvalleysc.com

August 14, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.